Keeping unregistered runners, known as “bandits,” out of road races is a continual and vexing challenge for organizers. But this appears to be the first time a race director has taken such a drastic measure to discourage the practice.

Runners reacted to Myers’ display mostly with silence, witnesses said, punctuated by a few gasps and shrieks. One participant reportedly offered tepid applause.

“It did seem a little draconian,” said John Carpenter, who was running his third consecutive Haddonfield Marathon. “But I understand where (Myers) is coming from. Bandits are a real problem.”

“They take resources the rest of us pay for,” added Jamie Curtis, another runner.

Curtis, pointing to the bib number pinned to her shirt, hastened to add that she was a registered runner.

Asked about the identity of the victim, and notifying his next of kin, Myers shrugged.

“I’d call his emergency contact, except he didn’t fill in that info on the back of his bib,” Myers said. “BECAUSE HE WASN’T WEARING A BIB.”

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